Scratch the surface…initiate an initial investigation to discover something concealed.

In this exhibition, Gerri Grogan (7-206) presents work drawn over a period of time, exploring themes of the passing of time, history, nostalgia and making moves towards abstraction.

Observing and researching the history of this part of industrial London, she has looked at how we attach sentiment and memory to the environments of our past and the idea that we often look back nostalgically but find the present lacking. Erosion and decay demonstrate how the passage of time impacts on the surface and material of those environments. The use of doors as art links directly to entering those different worlds and the idea of stepping into the artists’ mind.

The Royal Iris ferry conveys a real sense of past glories eroding before our eyes, as do the once busy local pubs and workplaces which have been left to the ravages of time. The Tate and Lyle factory however is a still functioning reminder of the industrial heart of this part of London, and remains a constant landmark on the horizon, with moving elements reminding us of its purpose. This view has continued to inspire Gerri’s work, more recently towards a more abstract interpretation of the colour palette and ever- changing light quality reflected back from the river and the sky.

About the artist:
Gerri Grogan studied Fine Art at Wolverhampton University then later a MA at SOAS in Art and Architecture of South East Asia. She has been an art teacher both full and part time for over 30 years, only coming back to her own practice more fully in the last nine years. She also volunteers as a guide at Tate Modern. Her work has been very inspired by the history of her environment, whether that is urban London or the Buddhist stupas of India, but in particular the erosion and surface qualities of those environments and how they convey the passage of time has held a particular fascination.

Gerri has participated in several group shows, including in Wolverhampton, Thames-Side Studios and Tate Modern staff shows, as well as a solo exhibition at the Brunel Museum café. She was also previously an artist in residence in Bangkok.

For more details and information please get in touch with Gerri directly here and follow on Instagram @gerrigroganart

Thames-Side Studios Lounge is located on the second floor of Unit 0 and open to all studio holders and by appointment. For non-studio holders please DM the artist to arrange an appointment.